Fans of Toronto based singer-songwriter Jason Collett are likely familiar with his earlier 2010 release, Rat a Tat Tat – so, a new record a mere few months later? Sort of. Collett has decided to share yet another facet of his well-known folk sound with the release of Pony Tricks, an acoustic collection of songs from Collett’s back catalogue – in total, nine cuts were rebuilt. And for those fans longing for new material, two previously unreleased songs also make an appearance: “My Daddy Was a Rock ‘n Roller” and “Pulling The Sun Down”. For Collett, the motivation behind this record stems back to his live performances; he wanted fans to have an accurate representation of his solo shows. Pony Tricks also aims to satisfy the demand of those fans wanting to hear a more ‘stripped down’ version of his songs. The 38-minute compilation, recorded at Zeus’ Ill Eagle Studios in Toronto, was originally intended to be an EP and features such songs as “Motor Motel Love Song”, “Bitter Beauty” and “Hangover Days”. Collett has been riding the solo train for several years now, having previously toured alongside versatile indie darlings Broken Social Scene. He’s released a number of solo records, after deciding to take a break from touring with BSS to focus on family and his solo career. BSS’s Kevin Drew has even called him “the Tom Petty of Broken Social Scene,” and for good reason: Collett has managed to hone his ’70s pop/rock and country ballad twang. With Pony Tricks, you’re invited to a Jason Collett concert and don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Surely, fans won’t be disappointed. (Arts & Crafts, www.arts-crafts.ca) Sabrina Carnevale
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989